If Ray Lewis is to go on one last tear stand this postseason the Baltimore Ravens would surely welcome it — and desperately need it. A unit that has under Lewis' leadership been perennially stout has fallen to 17th in total defense while the future Hall of Famer missed the majority of the regular season with a torn triceps.

Losing one of the league's premier cornerbacks in Lardarius Webb dealt a massive blow, as did an offseason Achilles injury to reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs, along with the various ailments Haloti Ngata's fighting through. Which just makes a vintage Lewis performance even more crucial.

Granted, Lewis had gotten off to a slow start prior to his triceps injury on Oct. 24, but if he can even return to 2011 form then it should provide a major boost in run defense.

Also needed in 2011 form is fellow sure-fire Hall of Famer Ed Reed, who earned a Pro Bowl selection this year despite tying for seventh-most missed tackles and second-most flags among safeties this season, according to Pro Football Focus statistics.

The Ravens always seem to have a reservoir of quality depth on defense and Courtney Upshaw is among players providing a youth infusion, but a retro-classic from Lewis and Reed might be necessary against Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and the new wave from Indianapolis.